Can we really claim to be someone’s loved one, best friend, or most empathetic coworker unless we are there when they need our support the most? We all go through turbulent moments in life that can make it challenging to keep up with our physical and mental health. In such times, people need more than random, often unwanted advice.
A person going through a rough patch wants a support shoulder, an ear that listens, and a mind that doesn’t judge their thoughts. But is that really possible? Despite wanting to offer their support, many struggle to comprehend what a person who is going through an issue truly needs.
If you know someone who needs your support but you aren’t sure how to offer it, keep reading to learn the key ways to do so.
1. Promote the Importance of Professional Help
Everyone has challenges that we sometimes cannot understand or relate to. Instead of offering advice on things we don’t know, promoting the importance of seeking professional help is one of the best things you can do.
Let’s suppose you have a friend dealing with an eating disorder, but you don’t know a lot about it. In such a case, offering advice to amend eating patterns would hardly be helpful. So, if you don’t know how to support someone with an eating disorder, the best thing would be to educate yourself on the subject and encourage them to see a professional. The first thing to understand, of course, is that eating disorders are usually the result of some mental health issue, such as anxiety or even trauma. Therapists who specialize in dealing with eating disorders and identifying what causes them can help your friend or family member get on the path to recovery. At institutions like SunCloud Health, people who have an eating disorder can receive expert help and guidance from experienced and qualified therapists who can understand their condition and suggest a suitable recovery plan.
Similarly, professional help is available for all other physical and mental issues. You must encourage your loved one to get tailored counseling for effective and long-term results.
2. Practical Help Goes a Long Way
People going through a hard time always remember the person available to help them in their time of need. Even if you can’t do a lot for them, offering to help with simple tasks like completing chores, preparing meals, or running errands is sometimes all that can bring a great change in someone’s life.
Simple actions like watching a movie, going for a walk, or cleaning the house together can be a bonding experience that makes your troubled dear one understand your intention of offering meaningful support. It is the first step towards building trust and making them believe that no matter what happens, you have their back.
3. Avoid Judging
One of the main reasons why people avoid sharing their problems with others is the fear of being judged. It’s natural to think that others might think less of you or judge you in other ways just because they’re going through a rough patch.
In this scenario, the best thing to do is to assure your dear ones that you are always there for them no matter what they are going through. Even if what they are going through is due to their own mistake, stretching out a helping hand makes it easier for them to open up.
Active listening is a skill that not many people practice. It encourages you to listen with more engagement and understanding first and then appropriately respond once the other person has finished telling their story or issue. It allows the other person to completely open up about what they are going through and gives them the freedom to express themselves without feeling uncomfortable.
4. Show Empathy and Compassion
Once your loved one has opened up about their problem without the fear of being judged, don’t start offering advice instantly. You can begin by demonstrating empathy and compassion towards them. For instance, you can tell them that making mistakes is a part of life and that we all learn through them. Put yourself in their shoes and then speak.
Sometimes, instead of wanting help, people simply want to be heard. They just want to know that they have someone who understands and is willing to support them. Empathy and compassion boost the confidence of someone who is already lost and doesn’t know how to get on with life.
5. Portray Healthy Habits and Self-Care
Sometimes, all a person needs to change their habits is a role model. As someone who cares, it is your time to lead by example. You can encourage them to work on the issue together and eventually fight it.
For example, if the person you are trying to help has an eating disorder, you can influence them by eating healthy meals, exercising, and implementing other things to prioritize your health.
Also, remember that self-care doesn’t just revolve around a strict diet plan and exercise. In this fast-paced, tech-oriented world, we must take the time to unwind and relax and regularly practice mindfulness and meditation. It is a simple addition to your routine that doesn’t take a lot of time but can be super helpful in managing stress. So, make sure this is part of your own routine so you can set an example for your loved one.
6. Keep Supporting
A person who needs support is usually not going to ask you for it all the time. However, if you really want to be there for them, remain consistent. It doesn’t imply that you leave your work and other commitments just to be present in the life of someone facing difficulties.
Instead, simple actions like dropping a text or call, sending kind words through messages, or ordering healthy meals are great ways to remind them that you are their support system. Being consistently there also shows that the care you are giving out isn’t temporary and that you are genuinely concerned about their well-being and betterment. There might be moments when you feel your nerves are being tested; in moments like these, be patient and go back to that part where you must empathize with the person you’re dealing with.
Be Someone’s Umbrella on a Rainy Day
People going through a rough phase in life need a helping hand to get through the issue. The first step towards recovery is seeking the help of a professional who can understand the issue deeply and suggest proper treatment.
You can be there for your loved ones by providing them with a nonjudgmental environment in which they can express themselves freely. Additionally, a simple display of empathy and encouragement to make changes can be a huge confidence booster.
Even if you can’t be available 24/7, consistently checking up on them can go a long way in showing your concern. Ultimately, it is your support and compassion that can get them through these difficult times – and rest assured they will be grateful, and your bond will get stronger!